If money were no object I would buy one. It's definatley a hit in the 'name' barbel circles- Trefor,Tony,et al. The reels I am currently using have to cover a number of disciplines, and the need for some form of free spool is desirable on any reel I buy. I've just seen the new Daiwa infinity bait runners, Incredible reels which will take over from shimano as the number one carp/pike reel. Out of my price range though. I am impressed with the 4500 emblems though, I always thought that the 5000's were to big for anything other than big pits, i think I could use these for everyday fishing.